Adventures in Iowa

Family Easter Shots

2011-05-02T11:43:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-05-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

This year we had a fun Easter Egg hunt in the yard! Sully was big enough to participate some and grandpa and Sully searched while Lou and Matt looked for the "camouflage eggs" that looked like rocks, grass and bark. It was a fun time!
Gearing up for hunting! Lou finds a stony looking egg in the veggie garden!
Sully gets lucky and finds a barky egg near a tree while grandpa watches...
So happy to have an egg!

Bye-bye everyone!! Can't wait till next year!

Sully's Birthday

2011-05-02T11:35:00.001-05:00

Sully was sick with the flu for his birthday -- so it wasn't quite a joyous event. However, nana and grandpa came down to celebrate and although there was no cake, we had sparklers for entertainment. Happy 1st Sully!Sully and Grandpa watch the sparkler spark!
As nana lets it fly!

2011-05-02T11:34:00.002-05:00

At 14 months, Sully is not quite walking...he loves to push along his walker (though its a bit frantic and scary) and walk along his Bright Starts track. I am not pushing walking, since I have a feeling he will be running all too soon!

Music

2011-05-02T11:30:00.002-05:00

Sam has already learned guitar (though he's a bit rusty) and now Lou is taking piano lessons! She's been playing for almost a year and loving it (though practice is not always fun). I'm not quite an asian tiger mom, but the tears are often flowing as Lou practices her thirty minutes a day.

Now grandpa is starting to work on Sully...teaching him the basics of guitar too!

Basketball

2011-05-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

Sam played basketball this year. He hadn't ever played in the past, so this was the first time he'd ever played on a team. He had a great time playing, and now plays constantly on our new hoop outside the house. Here are a couple pictures of Sam in all his basketball glory...

Ramblings...

2011-04-04T22:56:00.003-05:00

So much has happened in the last few months...I can't believe that April has come already. The baby is quickly becoming a toddler -- moving warily on two feet as he wanders around the house clinging onto furniture. Sully turned one on March 1 and has become a vocal child...chattering loudly to everyone and anyone. He loves playing with his siblings, but loves his daddy the best. He's a joy to spend time with...and I am lucky to get to be with him everyday.

Lou just turned 8 on April Fool's Day -- she had a family party at home and a party at the local theatre with all of her school friends. It was a blast. She got lots of gifts, everyone had tons of fun, and Tangled was awesome. Lou loves playing outside, picking flowers, swinging on the tire swing and drawing with her chalk. She is unafraid to sing in front of people, and unfortunately has her mother's voice...LOUD.

Sam is growing tall - over 6'2 now -- probably 6'3. He just got the lead in Guys and Dolls (he plays Sky) and is running and high jumping in track...but he is really countin the days till football in HIGH SCHOOL! He got his first job as busser at Pizza Ranch and has worked three days so far. He has opinions on everything, but is learning to listen and be respectful while he disagrees with everything I say. It works so far...he has interesting ideas and is a great student.

I am blessed to have such amazing children! And I am blessed that Matt is able to provide so I get to be with them so often. Look around and see that the Lord is good --- all the time! Blessings and peace to all!

Sam and Sully

2011-02-11T12:59:00.002-06:00

The family is getting used to having a baby around again. Though Sam won't change diapers, he likes hanging out with Sully when he gets a chance. Especially if it gets him out of cleaning!

Lou's Concert

2011-02-11T12:51:00.004-06:00

Lou goes to Sageville School - home of 350 students and a tiny gym...so the students don't have a full K-5 concert. Instead, they have K & 1, 2 & 3, and 4 & 5. Lou performed last night in the 2nd grade program at Sageville. The kids sang Hakuna Matata, Candle on the Water, Part of Your World, The Country Bears, and It's a Small World. Lou had a great time singing her songs and Sully and Sam were happy to come along - Sam even took the pictures!

Lou ready for her concert!
All the kids ready to go!

Lou

2011-02-11T12:51:00.001-06:00

Baptism

2011-01-21T14:56:00.002-06:00

Sully was baptized on Sunday! It was a fantastic celebration. I was able to baptize him, Grace Wehrspan was the deacon who announced him into the church and Andrea Griffiths and Ben Rogut are Sully's Godparents. It was amazing and Christ-filled.

The whole family...
Dad, Sam and I singing
The whole family celebrating...
The whole family...plus Godparents...
During the service...
I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Snapshots of Sully

2011-01-21T14:54:00.003-06:00

The Kids

2011-01-14T19:00:00.004-06:00

While Darci was here Lou and Darci's daughter played constantly. They are great friends even though they only see each other a few times a year.
Darci's second daughter after I straightened her hair.
Sully hanging out and playing with his new toys.Matt and Sully playing...

Straight Hair?

2011-01-14T18:53:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, one of my oldest friends came to visit. Darci Hernandez and her three girls came to spend a night and just hang out. We played cards, ate lots of food, watched movies, and chit-chatted all night. Darci used to do my hair all the time when we were 12 and curled up my hair nicely while she was here. She also straightened Sam's hair---I think we like it curly best...what do you think?

Baptism

2011-01-12T16:42:00.002-06:00

Sully's Baptism will be this week and Andrea Griffiths and I were trying out his outfit! It is none too big! I can't wait to perform my first baptism on my third son. Here is a preview of Sully's styling suit.

Sully in a Box

2011-01-12T16:38:00.003-06:00

All I can think of is the SNL spoof - you know the one. So, I am just putting the pics below...really is Sully in a Box.

Sully's Favorite Toy

2011-01-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

Sully loved Christmas this year...but his favorite toy was the mistletoe (though this might be his fave when he's a teen too). He could spend hours playing with the flowery ball...in fact, he loves it so much we kept it up for awhile instead of putting it away with the Christmas decorations.

Christmas

2011-01-09T14:42:00.004-06:00

We had a lot of fun during the Christmas holiday. Aunt Kim came from Cali, and nana and grandpa came from Madison. Kim, Matt and I went to see True Grit on Christmas Eve (since the Christmas Eve Service had been cancelled) while Lou and Grandpa saw Tangled. Mom, Kim and I played some Scrabble, dad did some crosswords and the kids did their program. We had a great Christmas day opening presents and eating lots of good food. Dad and Kim saw the Fighter while the rest of us picked up and made dinner. What a fantastic holiday!
Christmas eve program by the chickens...
Scrabbling on Christmas Eve...
Lou with her gifts...
Sully having a ball...
Hanging with grandpa...
Seeing the presents for the first time...

Are They Related?

2010-12-18T16:33:00.003-06:00

Took some pictures of the kids this morning...thought they turned out really nice. Sam was sleeping so he missed out...but who can tell that these two cuties are related? Anyone, anyone?
And Lou took a picture of Henry and me - don't get too many of me!

Japan Trip

2010-12-18T16:23:00.003-06:00

Matt recently went to Japan for business. He flew from Chicago to Naruto, Japan on JAL business class for 13 hours (he left O'hare at 10 a.m. Monday and got to Japan at 5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon). He spent two days in meetings and got to see a little bit of the countryside. On Friday morning (Japan time) he flew home at 11:25 a.m. and got to O'Hare at 8:25 a.m. Friday morning. Goofy! Here are a few pics.

The view from his hotel...

Matt eating horse...

Matt's friends eating octopus tentacles and shrimp...

The Stockings Were Hung

2010-12-16T19:52:00.004-06:00

All the stockings are up for Christmas already. Sam and I were able to hang up all the stockings - eight of them...dad, mom, Auntie Kim, Matt, me, Sam, Lou, and Sully. The only one we are missing is Auntie Robin. She will be visiting Australia! Stockings are up - must be Christmastime!!!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

2010-12-16T19:42:00.002-06:00

Round here we finally got all our Christmas decorations up! Since Matt is in Japan (or actually he is flying home right now); Sam, Lou, Sully and I went to Lowes to pick our tree. Thankfully we didn't wait for Matt since there were all of four trees left to choose. We didn't quite get a Charlie Brown tree, but its a tinier tree than we are used too. Thanks to all of Sam's hard work, we got the tree up and lit and then Lou decorated it, while I tried to keep Sully away from the tree. My children are amazing for putting this altogether and helping me get Christmas finished in the Zebarth house!

Merry Christmas to You...

2010-12-15T18:57:00.002-06:00

December 3, 2010 Merry Christmas to All!

As we await the first storm of the year, we want to share with you some of our favorite moments through the year…

12 Months A’ Workin – Matt continues work as a Project Manager at John Deere Dubuque Works, and I am still the part time pastor at the UCC Sherrill.

11 Trips A’ Taken – Through this year we were able to visit cities all over; Reno, Minneapolis, Chicago, Logan, Cheyenne, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, Galena, Ogden, Melbourne & Marshalltown, and Des Moines.

10 Months A’ Schoolin’ – Sam finished 7th grade and started 8th in the fall with six As and one B for the first trimester. Sophia started 2nd grade in the fall and loves her TAG math and reading classes.

9 Months A’ Pregnant – Okay, so technically I wasn’t pregnant the entire nine months this year, but Henry Jude Zebarth was born on March 1, 2010 at 8lbs. 6oz. and 21 inches long. He is now a crawling, drooling, loud, funny, energetic, loving and two teethed boy of nine months.

8 Extended Family Moments – Matt’s sister Cathy moved closer to us this year and baby Jaxon was born last December. We have been able to see both of them a few times this year! Matt was also able to see both his dad and grandpa this year and took Sophia to meet Great Grandpa Orrin too. Kim and Robin took Sam for a short trip this summer, and visited us in August at the Dells. Mom and dad come almost every other weekend and dad visits once a week to help with Hank and the house. Mom and dad were also able to visit the Finnish family this year for Uncle Kallu’s 70th birthday and we look forward to seeing Godpapa Jim McWhorter and Godmama Sue in a few weeks.

7 Extracurricular Activities – Both Sam and Sophia keep Matt and I bouncing through the year. Sam has joined CAP, can’t wait for his military explorers to begin again next year, and attends two youth groups and confirmation. He continues learning new guitar songs with Grandpa. Sophia started girl scouts this year and enjoys piano lessons.

6 Sports A’ Playing – This year Sam has done Track and Field running the 100 yard dash and doing the high jump. In football he played DE and LT (the blind side postion – and won offensive lineman of the year). He is now wrestling (7 Pins/3 Losses) and can’t wait for basketball to start. Sophia will be playing basketball this year too.

5 Favorite Things – Favorite book of the year – The Help by Kathleen Stockett and At Home by Bill Bryson. Favorite TV Show – Glee and The Good Wife (new show – Raising Hope). Favorite movie of the year – Harry Potter 7.1 and Toy Story 3.

4 Pets A’Jumpin’ – Well, we started the year with four pets. We found a great home for Kramer, our cockatiel; and God called back Sushi to cat heaven. We still have two lovely and annoying pets – Brogan, our three-year-old Dane, and Patches our four-year-old cat.

3 Kids A’ Shouting – All three children are fabulous. 6’2” Sam is almost 14, and loving Hank as an older brother should. Sophia is a wonderful older seven-year-old sister who loves to make Hankie laugh. And Henry is a nine-month-old bundle of energy and joy.

2 Happy Parents – Matt and I have so much to be thankful for! Amazing family, great friends, warm homes, loud and loving children, and good food. We wish upon you the blessings of God this season.

And one wish for you to have a great new year! We send our prayers to you for a wonderful Christmas season full of peace, joy, and love – may your days be merry and bright. From our house to yours…The Z’s

Making Cookies

2010-12-07T21:35:00.004-06:00

Lou loves making cookies. We recently got new colored sugar cookie dough and Lou couldn't wait to dig in and make cookies for the family. Lou had a great time making berries, hearts, leaves, and a caterpillar. While Lou and I made brightly colored cookies, Sully played rum ta tum tum on the cookie bins.

Wrestling Season

2010-12-07T21:28:00.004-06:00

Sam has started wrestling this year. I told him he would probably not win any, but so far Sam has won seven and lost only four (twice to a nationalist and twice to a state finalist). He has done a great job and has one more meet - good job Sam!

Fuzzy Hat

2010-12-07T21:10:00.005-06:00

Mom and dad recently came back from Finland bearing gifts for all of us! Sam got a couple of army shirts and a Suomi shirt and hat. Lou got a couple of Finnish dolls and chocolate she asked for. Sully got a dish set and a fabulous hat. He hates wearing hats, but LOVES, LOVES, LOVES this hat. Thanks Nanny and Grandpa!!!

Feasting

2010-11-29T12:32:00.003-06:00

Sully is nine months old on Wednesday so we have been starting him on lots of finger foods and so far he loves it ALL! He has had frozen blueberries, grapes, mangoes, avacado, green beans, sweet potato, and more. Today he had his first protein beans--garbanzo beans. He ate them all up, but you can tell his favorite is still blueberries...

Thanksgiving Day at the Jamis House

2010-11-29T12:21:00.003-06:00

While Matt and Lou went galavanting to Colorado; Sully, Sam and I spent a quiet Thanksgiving Day at home. We spent the afternoon and part of the evening at the Jamis house for dinner. The Jamis' made turkey and dressing (and stuffing - I learned the difference between dressing and stuffing thanks to Krysha), Curt and Kadra made orange rolls, potatoes, and jello, and we brought sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn souffle and pumpkin cheesecake (Justin made pecan pies). It was a feast!!!

Thanksgiving Visit

2010-11-28T19:06:00.001-06:00

Matt and Lou were able to go visit Matt's grandpa this Thanksgiving. Lou had never met Great-Grandpa Orrin and was excited to meet him. Thanks to some last minute fantastic work by mom, Lou and Matt were able to fly to Denver, stay in a hotel, have a rental car, visit grandpa and go to the top of Pike's Peak...and Lou loved the visit to Chuck E. Cheeses.

Funny Hat

2010-11-19T14:47:00.003-06:00

Sully recently got a new hat - a goofy and funny hat! We call it the mohawk hat and I love it. Check it out!

Fishermen

2010-11-19T14:35:00.003-06:00

On Saturday Nov 13 dad and Sam got to go to the UW game in Madison, Wisconsin. It was POURING and cold and windy, but thanks to mother's ingenious mind, they boys stayed dry (but they were freezing!) The Badgers won the game (they killed actually) winning 83-20. It was a great game and the men stayed dry in the pouring rain.

Hair Cut

2010-11-15T18:07:00.002-06:00

The other day (three months ago) I went and cut off six inches on my hair...then today I walked back into my awesome hairdresser Heidi and chopped off 10 more inches! Sully was always yanking on my hair, it was always in a ponytail cause I didn't take the time to do it, and now it is short. Hope you like it - it was a little scary, but I am GLAD I cut it off!

Joshua, Jericho, and the Wall

2010-11-12T07:36:00.004-06:00

October 24 was Childrens Sabbath at our church, so the kids got together with our bell choir and performed the show Joshua, Jericho, and the Wall. Sam was Josh - a John Wayne"esque" cowboy...and the rest of the kids were Josh's army. The kids had a great time, learned something about Joshua and Jericho, and the congregants were thrilled watching the kids and choir perform. Interesting fact...Jericho turned 10,000 years old on (roughly) 10/10/2010. Oldest inhabited city in the world...so says my Christian Century magazine.

I also got to handout Bibles to the kids (Lou included!) What a joyful service.

Bath Time

2010-11-12T07:34:00.002-06:00

The other day Sully needed a bath and I was helping get dinner ready. Big brother Sam volunteered to hang with the baby in his new bath seat. Both had a great time.

Halloween

2010-11-12T07:23:00.004-06:00

This year we did not go to Nana and Grandpa's for Halloween. The kids (and the grandparents) were disappointed with this, but we did the best we could. I preached Halloween morning and trick or treating happened on Sunday night from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Lou and I went to HyVee's trick or treating event at 4 p.m. while Sully slept. Then we picked up our frog and went to UDTS to trick or treat with some friends. Sully lasted through the entire event (even going out to Sherrill to visit some church members! Hope you had a fantastic Halloween.

The Princess in her princessy garb.

The princess with an unhappy frog.

The Gang at UD: Lou, Kellen, Sully, Addy, Rhys, and Norah.

Lou and Addy checking out their loot!

Lou and her best friends Addy and Adelaide.

Pumpkin Anyone?

2010-11-12T07:17:00.002-06:00

We couldn't decide what Sully was going to be for Halloween. Here he is as a pumpkin - such a cutie. In the end, he and Lou went as a frog and a princess...pictures coming!<

A pumpkin and his dad...

Happy pumpkin!

Fall Colors

2010-11-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

I wanted to take some pictures of the fall colors in the area...these were taken quite a few days ago, but I finally got them edited and up! Enjoy!!

Celebrating Sam

2010-11-01T08:12:00.002-05:00

Sam and Lou had two days off at the end of October for Parent Student Teacher Conferences. On Wednesday, October 27, Sam came home extremely excited. He told me that there had been an assembly at the end of the school day. All the football players received a certificate for playing, but Sam received an extra award...there were eight. He received the offensive lineman of the year! Go Sam!!!

To top it all off, both kids had amazing conferences! We are pretty lucky people.

New Shoes

2010-11-01T08:09:00.001-05:00

Sully hates having things on his feet...socks, slippers, shoes...EVERYTHING! So we found these shoes and decided to see if he would keep them on when it was cold outside! Success!! Of course, he didn't keep them on for much longer...but it lasted just long enough.

Nap Anyone?

2010-11-01T07:42:00.003-05:00

The other day father was over. Sully was napping and the kids were home from a half day of school and all doing their own thing. Dad was doing his crosswords for a minute, and the cat loved hanging on him! Pretty soon, he had put himself to sleep! Love you father!!! Lou thought the cat was hilarious!!
And then to sleep he goes!!!

Carving Out Pumpkins Ha Ha!

2010-11-01T07:35:00.004-05:00

PUMPKIN TIME!!
We carved out the pumpkins with grandpa on Wednesday. Lou wanted her pumpkin to look like a cat, so grandpa was able to free hand it and make it so!

They worked hard, and Lou hated getting her hands dirty!The finished product!
Sully just liked eating out the pumpkins...yum!

Sully at Seven

2010-10-23T17:09:00.002-05:00

months that is! Sully turned seven months old on October 1 ... so now technically he is closer to eight months than seven! Here he is hanging out with one of his favorite blankets (made by one of my favorite Lisa's). What a cutie pie and he is sitting so nicely!

What Is THAT?

2010-10-23T17:06:00.003-05:00

The other day I was hanging with Sully and Brogan started barking! We looked outside and saw this lovely animal hanging out by our address marker. Anyone know what it is? I have heard beaver, gopher and ground squirrel (though it'd be a hellishly large ground squirrel). He got spooked after I took a few pictures!

Hawkeye Football

2010-10-23T17:04:00.002-05:00

We love watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play football in my house. And by we...I mean me. Sully rolls around on the ground or jumps in his jumperoo while Stanzi throws his touchdowns and Claybourne kicks defensive butt. Lou usually gets me to color alongside her or do puzzles while Iowa plays. It is such a fun season...go Hawks!

Lou's Playhouse

2010-10-05T19:34:00.004-05:00

Matt got a new workbench in the garage which means that Lou got many, many boxes with which to play! She loves using her imagination to create awesome buildings out of cardboard! We let her have some of the leftovers and she made her playhouse...here it is...

Sitting Sully

2010-10-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

Sully has learned to sit up so well! He is so proud of his skills...and we are pretty proud of him too!

Where Is My Shadow?

2010-10-05T19:19:00.003-05:00

Sully hung out with grandpa today. He loves spending time with Grandpa Dee, mainly because Grampy will do everything he can to please him! Today, Grandpa taught Sully to find his shadow. He spent tons of time watching his hand make a shadow and then trying to catch it! He loved this game with grandpa! Sully checking out his shadow.

Sully loves the new game...

Getting Ready for Christmas

2010-10-02T17:15:00.003-05:00

Today we put up all the Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations all over the house. After that, I took the kids (unsuccessfully) to get pictures at Sears. Since they were booked and lost our appointment, I figured the kids looked too good to not take advantage of their pics, so we now have our Christmas card picture...hope you enjoy!

Lou wanted one more of her with Sully...so here it is!

Friends

2010-10-02T17:08:00.005-05:00

We have made quite a few great friends in Dubuque. The Jamis family are some of our favorite people. Krysha and Justin's four children and my three create a perfect storm of craziness...but the kids just seem to love it. We enjoy going to the museum together, playing in the park, and just hanging out. Of course...Kevin usually comes around too!
Kevin and Sam horsing around...

Sully and his best friend Rhys.

Nora looking pretty.

Lou and Addy having a ball.

Kevin and the kids...just goofing off.

Enough Fiber in YOUR Diet?

2010-10-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

So my son Sully loves to eat...and like every baby does, he likes to put everything in his mouth. Recently, he's needed more fiber in his diet, so my father has been sitting him on the floor, allowing him to much on the morning paper. It's fine with me, as long as dad changes the diapers!

Cattina

2010-09-20T09:55:00.004-05:00

Lou loves making up shows and plays...and she is quite good at it! This past week Sully, Matt and I were able to preview her very latest (and greatest) show...Cattina, The Cat's Army and Rapunzel. It was quite a heart-wrenching story of pain and loss and cats that talk. Fortunately, the evil witch lost to Cattina's cat army and all was saved.

Football

2010-09-20T09:46:00.003-05:00

I have been hungrily awaiting football season all through July and August! Sam is playing both defense and offensive for the Jefferson Hillhawks 8th grade team. He is fabulous this year and a lot of fun to watch. The boys won their first game 43-8...and Sam had two defensive tackes, two offensive tackles (though you don't call them tackles) and two QB rushes. Keep it up #79!

Fun Family Faces

2010-09-20T09:29:00.005-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post, so I figured I could just post a few pictures in one :). Here are a few shots of the family...

Father and Sully getting ready for a walk...

Sully with a great big smile!

Super Sully!

Mama and Sully hanging out (photo curtesy of Lou)

Lou and Sully

2010-09-07T14:43:00.004-05:00

Lou is a great big sister...she loves to spend time with Sully and really likes it when she makes him laugh and smile. She does a great job of keeping him happy too!

Lou and Patches

2010-09-04T22:21:00.002-05:00

Lou loves having cats...she tells me that she goes cukoo for cats and that is the truth. Patches has started sleeping with her at night and recently he snuggles with her whenever he can. Here he is snuggling with Sophia as she tries to read. Notice the cat has his arm around her like he is hugging her.

Piano Man

2010-09-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

Sully is now six months old...how time flies! He is sitting up regularly but unable to stay long periods of time. Today I set him up by his toy piano and he had a great time pounding on the keys. He looks so grown up! I can't believe it.

Riding the Ducks

2010-09-02T19:41:00.003-05:00

While in the Dells, the entire family went on a Wisconsin Duck ride...a nine mile ride on water and land. We all had fun despite the bad jokes from the driver.

The Dells

2010-09-01T16:08:00.003-05:00

We were able to have a great vacation at the Wisconsin Dells! Kim and Robin flew out to spend a few days with us at the Dells and with mom and dad in Chicago. We stayed at a hotel with two waterparks...and the kids were in heaven. All was fabulous.

School Starts

2010-09-01T16:01:00.003-05:00

The first day of school was awesome for everyone! Lou started second grade in Mrs. Blackburn's class with 25 other students. She is having a great time in school and loving every minute of it.
Sam started 8th grade at Jefferson. Football started the same day, and he has been doing well. He loves football and is tolerating school. So far he has all As...and we will keep our fingers crossed.

Sully Sits

2010-08-17T16:58:00.003-05:00

I can't believe how fast Sully is growing! He is already almost six months old...he is 18 pounds and rarin' to crawl. He was sitting up the other day and I happened to catch these shots before he fell over! Way to go Sully!

Sam's Frog

2010-08-17T16:55:00.002-05:00

Last night Sam wandered into Matt's bathroom and found this lovely frog hanging onto the window. Sam was so excited about it, he ran to get the camera and took this picture. Thanks Sam!

Snuggling....

2010-08-17T16:44:00.003-05:00

I love to snuggle with my kiddos. Though Sam feels himself much too old for such games, Lou and Sully love to snuggle with their mama. Lately the rain has kept our bedrooms dark enough to snuggle late into the morning. We are so blessed!!!

Cat In the Cradle Pt. 2

2010-08-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

Just the other day I walked into my bedroom and found Sushi in a lovely position...sleeping on top of my nighties in my bottom drawer. What a nuttie cat (or as Dawn would say...mean kitty!!)

Homework Time

2010-08-10T20:43:00.004-05:00

I figured since it was two weeks till school starts, the kids should get back into homework and reading! We have started doing math homework and journals for 30 minutes, reading for 30 minutes, and music for 30 minutes each day. Its a good way for the kids to get back into school slowly!

Lou doing her journaling...

Sam working on his math computer programs...
They head back on August 25 and Sam will start 8th grade and Lou starts 2nd grade. Can't wait...might be the most wonderful time of the year.

Sully Eats

2010-08-08T20:32:00.004-05:00

Sully has been eating some mushy solid foods for awhile now. My father and husband have wanted to give him various and sundry items such as...chocolate, ice cream (Sully is lactose intolerant), lemons, whipped cream (did I mention lactose intolerant), etc. Finally, I allowed my dad to let Sully eat watermelon...he LOVED it!

Friends

2010-08-08T20:24:00.004-05:00

I love old friends...so having one of my oldest friends come and bring one of my mother and father's oldest friends...life is AWESOME. My friend Darci and her mom Linda (and Darci's girls) all came to hang out for a day. We were able to sing some old songs and some new ones...watch various and sundry trained seal acts...eat lots of yummy food...shop for a few hours...watch Into the Woods...and walk the river walk. I had such a great time...check out the photos.

Everyone watching the men sing...
Linda and her granddaughters singing...
Eva playing her clarinet...
Dad and Sam singing...put a tear in my eye.
Lou and Ellie...two best friends!!!
Ellie holding Sully...
Ana holding Sully...

Gunderburger

2010-08-03T18:04:00.004-05:00

We stopped in the small town of Gunder, Iowa (population 28) and visited the Irish Shanty. This was a fabulous little hole in the wall with great burgers and home of the famous GUNDERBURGER. Sam was able to put away the entire burger and some hashbrowns AND two pieces of chicken strips from Sophia. If you are ever near Gunder, Iowa (north of Guttenburg near the 52) it is worth the 8 miles to eat at the Irish Shanty!

The Gunderburger...a full pound of hamburger!
The first bite goes in...
Will he do it?
Getting there...
Sully watches the action with great anticipation.
The burger is gone!!
Finishing up all of mom's hashbrowns.

Nickelodeon Adventures

2010-08-03T17:56:00.005-05:00

We were also able to spend a few hours at the Mall of America's Nickelodeon Adventures.

The Awesome Spongebob Drop

The most awesome Spongebob drop.
The Wonder Pets Ride.
Lou was pulled onto the Log Ride by a friend she had just met. Matt tried to keep her in line with him, but she was literally pulled on with a girl she had just met. She loves making new friends!
Going down the 40 foot drop on the Log Ride.
Sam and Lou on the swings.
Sam and Lou on the Jimmy Neutron Ride.
Sam and Lou on the final ride of the night.

And through the entire trip...10.5 hours driving, 20 hours walking around the mall, Sully sat in his car seat or the stroller...so nicely and patiently.

Mall of America Take Two

2010-08-03T17:50:00.003-05:00

We were able to spend almost an entire day at the Mall of America. We were able to spend a good amount of time with Uncle Kevin (Kevin Clark) and eat at the Rainforest Cafe (shockingly the food was pretty decent!) Lou loved the eyes that glowed menacing behind Matt every few minutes! We even were able to check out a few stores along the way (out of the 520+).

Mall of America

2010-08-02T15:12:00.003-05:00

We had a great time today at the Mall of American in Bloomington, Minnesota. Sophia and I spent a while in the Butterfly Gardens...it was a lot of fun being surrounded by butterflies. Even Henry had one on his head!

Sam got to climb the ropes course that went up five stories! I think nana would have been a little nervous for him!

My Son Sam

2010-07-31T21:44:00.002-05:00

It is tough to raise a teenager...especially a teenager so much like his mother! I have been struggling with kindness, respect and humility and yet it hasn't quite sunk into his skull yet. He's a good kid and I know that, but I want to kill him most of the time. Today he told me in no uncertain terms that he was attending a military academy in Illinois starting in 9th grade...I couldn't help but laugh. What a funny kid. If at all possible, try having a baby and then at 12 giving them to the gypsies until they turn 18. I have a feeling it would be easier :)

Tying Shoes

2010-07-30T17:45:00.003-05:00

Lou has struggled with learning how to tie her shoes. She starts thinking that she can't do something and she won't even try. However, Matthew decided to teach her yesterday and today, and BAM...she learned on her first try.

Start at the very beginning...

Making the loops...

Bring the string around the loop...and then pull it through!!!

Look now Lou can tie her shoe!!!

Homemade Baby Food

2010-07-29T11:39:00.003-05:00

I decided that since I at home I should try all kinds of new things. Yesterday instead of making freezer corn, I made homemade baby food. We tried all kinds of different types...carrots, squash, applesauce, greenbeans and sweet potatoes. Here are some pictures...Thanks to Sam for taking these pictures!!

Sweet potato, squash and apples...squash, green beans, carrots. Squash and carrot...

HE LIKES IT!!!

Zoo Fun

2010-07-28T10:07:00.001-05:00

In early June, the kids and I got to spend a few nights with dad and mom in Madison. Sam was lucky enough to bring a friend, Levi, and we got to go to the Madison Henry Villas Zoo. The zoo is fabulous and free...here are a few great pics from the day.

Sully

2010-07-26T09:37:00.002-05:00

Sully loves to walk with me. He has just started to be able to sit without his infant car seat, and he is so proud of himself! Here he is after we walked and took pictures of the flood. What a cutie!!

Fruits of the Garden

2010-07-25T18:23:00.003-05:00

This is the second year I have tried to grow veggies in a garden. Matt made me a nice box and I was able to plant quite a bit. My masterpiece is the eggplant that is starting to grow! Here are some pictures of the veggies that are coming up.

My masterpiece...the coming eggplant.

Cabbage coming out...

Green tomatoes...waiting for them to turn red!

Slow growing cucumbers.

Broccoli that's almost done.

Flooding

2010-07-23T10:51:00.004-05:00

We got massive flooding here in the last 12 hours! It all started yesterday when Matt and I went to eat at Tony Roma's. As we left I heard there was a tornado warning for the area, and sure enough, the sirens started going off when Matt and I left the building. We made it home through high winds and torrential rains. The tornado never did form, but we received between 7 and 9 inches of rain AND ITS STILL RAINING! Crazy night!

Chicago Take Two

2010-07-23T10:30:00.005-05:00

Other fun times on our recent trip to Chicago...

At Navy Pier Lou wanted to go into a Funhouse Maze...it scared the crap out of her...this was a great picture of how nervous she was to finish the maze!
At the Field Museum, Lou wonders if she can stretch out her neck!
Lou mimics the scary prehistoric grizzly bear.
Lou and I at the Field Museum.
Mom, dad and I ready to take a water taxi from the Shedd Aquarium to Navy Pier.

Mom, Sully and I at Navy Pier.

Mom, Sully and Lou sitting at Navy Pier.

Gearing up for the 9 mile walk through Chicago! Taking the subway downtown.

Mom, dad, and the kids in front of an amazing fountain.

Chicago

2010-07-23T10:24:00.004-05:00

After we dropped my eldest boy at the airport to fly to Logan, my father, mother, Lou, Sully and I went to Chicago for two days. We had a great time hanging out at the Field Museum and Navy Pier. We had lots of fun. Mom and Lou outside the Field Museum...
Inside the museum in front of a cool house...you couldn't see the eyes until I took the picture.
Dad and Sully hanging out at the hotel.
Amazing baby!

Hen and Lou

2010-07-13T14:25:00.003-05:00

Lou has been a fabulous older sister. I was a little worried that Lou would have a hard time going from the baby to the middle child, but she has been awesome. She often wants to hold Hen, give him kisses, tickle him and love on him. She always wants to be the one to make him laugh. Here is a great picture of Big Sis Lou and her little brother Henry.

Pulling Weeds

2010-07-12T13:04:00.003-05:00

The last couple of weeks my father rallied the troops (i.e. Sam and me) and got our backyard weeds cleaned up and remulched. This is beautiful now!

Then Sam and I finished a little more...

We still have a little more to go (like the rest of the back and then the side of the house and the front of the house) but it's nice to have it started...Thanks Dad!!

Cat In the Cradle

2010-07-12T12:58:00.002-05:00

The cats have not been happy with me. For six months they got to sleep in the baby's crib or cradle, but since Henry has been born they are always kicked out of Sully's room. I went to put Sully in his car seat yesterday and sleeping in his seat was Patches...what a cutie! Of course, he was kicked out AGAIN.

Jumping for Joy

2010-07-11T14:08:00.002-05:00

Sully loves his new toy (thanks to Krysha Jamis!!) He, like his brother Sam before him, loves to kick and bounce. A few weeks ago we tried putting him in one of these jumperoos and he was too little. Yesterday, however, he LOVED it. He has spent at least 15 minutes a day and he squeals with delight. THANKS KRYSHA!

Lou and the Cat

2010-07-10T20:34:00.001-05:00

I walked into the living room this morning and Lou was sleeping with her best friend Sushi (a.k.a. stinky kitty). Sushi rarely lets anyone touch her, much less sleep with anyone. Lou and Sush had a nice nap together!

Henry

2010-07-08T12:21:00.002-05:00

Henry is doing a great job being a baby. He has learned to roll from front to back, back to front, and is ALMOST sitting up on his own. He can sit for a couple of seconds before falling over. He loves laying on his tummy - tummy time for him is EASY time. He will be sitting up alone in no time and he's only four months old! Genious!!

Best Kids In the World

2010-07-07T08:39:00.002-05:00

I have the best three kids in the universe...they are fun, smart, kind, and normally listen to me (okay, well sometimes). Matt and I are lucky parents...great kids!

Holding Henry

2010-07-07T08:33:00.003-05:00

Henry is just a joy to get to hold! I love having him in my arms...so have lots of people. Here are some pictures of people holding our new boy!! We are so blessed...

Sam's Hair

2010-07-06T08:07:00.003-05:00

Sam has the greatest hair ever. I love his curly locks! Unfortunately, he decided to chop it all off...he went from...

TO...

He likes it and that is all that matters, but I am hoping he grows his locks back!

Henry Jude

2010-07-06T08:03:00.003-05:00

Henry Jude was born on March 1, 2010. He is an awesome and happy baby...and he is STRONG. He was holding up his head on the second day of his life...and he's been rolling over for two months. He is such a joy to have in our home...both kids love him and want to spend time with him. He has even been sleeping through the night for a month...though I know everything can change.

He has to have his second round of immunization shots today...everyone pray for him!

Mash Again

2010-07-05T20:47:00.003-05:00

This last week we were able to get to have lunch with Sam's old buddy, Mark Mashburn. He recently was injured in a football game and had a birthday, so we were able to take him to lunch at Red Lobster! Sam and Mash caught up, my father was given details of what Sam's workout needs to be, and we all discussed his future plans and good books. Mash was awesome for Sam when he was struggling with football and really helped Sam become the player he is today! The biggest change...the fact that Sam is taller than his mentor Mash...gotta love it!

When we drove by the Dubuque Anytime Fitness today...Sophia yelled --- look that's where Sam's best friend lives...that really big guy we ate with last week. She doesn't know his name, but she knows where he works! Thanks again Mash! Can't wait to have lunch again...

Updated Baby News

2010-02-17T09:29:00.002-06:00

I had another ultrasound and nonstress test yesterday. Passed the NST with flying colors, but found that I have low amniotic fluid. My doctor had commented about it on Monday during my last appointment when it was 8cm. Apparently, after a week, it is now down to 5cm. The doctor had thought about inducing if the fluid went under 7cm, but I haven't heard from her yet.

Oligohydramnios is not too common, and it can be dangerous. I have faith that all is well and both mom and baby will be fine...though I would LOVE it Lord, if you let this baby cook a little more. Waiting on the doctor's call...

Fabulous Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T03:57:00.004-06:00

We were able to celebrate Valentine's Day with my parents this year. Mom and dad came down from Madison and spent the weekend with us.

I am blessed to be married to my best friend for almost nine years!

Matt and I were able to go out on our own and have dinner at Salsa's...the food was awesome and the conversation was even better.

Dad and Sam and Sophia sang at church for me and even Matt came to the service! What a great day!

Its a boy!

2010-02-11T13:25:00.002-06:00

We have confirmation that we are expecting a baby boy...he is roughly 6 lbs (though the doctor said that it is usually half a pound to a pound more) and his heart is perfect. He is already breathing (which is good) and he is definitely a boy. I have been having mild to decently strong contractions, and this boy is already in place...the tech couldn't even get a good head measurement because he was so far down already -- at least he is in the right position.

Now for names:

My favorites --
Solomon (Sully) - peace
Sebastian - venerable
Shiloh - His gift
Lucas - from Lucania
Emmett - entire
Jonah - dove
Isaiah - God is salvation
Issac - he will laugh
Timothy - to honor God
Elijah - the Lord is my God

What do y'all think??

Update!!

2010-02-09T11:26:00.003-06:00

I have been slacking off lately. Our laptop died around Christmas, and I have been unable to find a good way to store pictures. Recently, however, I found a way to store them on the computer...and here I am at 35 weeks (and 35 pounds lighter than when we started).

The house is getting ready for the new baby...which we find out today WHAT we are having! We moved Sam downstairs, redid Sophia's room into a princess room, and painted and moved baby stuff into the baby's room. Almost everything is ready. Thanks to awesome friends and family for all your help. And I couldn't have gotten this all done without my dad, Jeff Spencer, and Anne Veldhuisan (you guys rock). I am pretty sure this new kid is a boy...now comes the struggle with the name -- Matt seems to dislike EVERYTHING I love.

The only bummer about the pregnancy has been the gestational diabetes. I have to give myself 47 units of insulin every night and test my sugars four - five times a day. The pregnancy itself has been decent...I don't want to rush it because I know this will be the last time. The kids are both excited and of course the oldest wants a boy and Lou wants a girl...I am pretty sure Lou will be disappointed.

Matt and I are doing great...kids are happy and healthy...and we miss you all. Please come see us in Iowa anytime!

Football Fever

2009-10-19T07:12:00.002-05:00

Sam had a great football year. He played both defense and offense (Defensive End and Offensive tackle). He loved playing - and often played over 90% of the game. Here are some pics of his football fun.

Sam's on the ground - he got the tackle!

See how he towers over his teammates!

Nanas

2009-06-03T23:13:00.003-05:00

Sophia and nana had a great play date. Nana followed Sophia around as she tried the monkey bars, climbed up slides, and teetered on the totter. Sophia loves being outdoors...and the weather has been perfect. Two more days of school and both kids will be enjoying our first week off in Logan!! Can't wait. Grandpa will be tagging along to help as I have meetings with churches and committees. Grandparents are amazing.

All the glory of his family will hang on him: its offspring and offshoots—all its lesser vessels, from the bowls to all the jars. Isaiah 22:24

Sing Praises

2009-06-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

My father came to sing praises today! He and I went to Sophia's classroom and sang songs - Puff the Magic Dragon, I like Bananas, My Bonnie Went Over the Ocean, and Hole in My Bucket. Then dad came home and played guitar with Sam. I had a moment when I really felt like the torch was being passed. Here's a few pictures. Thank God for awesome parents.

Psalm 147

1 Praise the LORD. [a]
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.

6 The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.

Dancing Time

2009-05-31T23:23:00.003-05:00

A Time to Dance

I have been blessed to be close to my parents. We are still about 2 hours from Madison, but I have been able to spend quite a lot of time with them recently. It has been a joy not only for me, but for my kids -- Sophia and Sam love spending time with Nana and Grandpa. Thank God for great parents who are amazing grandparents...thank God for times of dancing!

Ecclesiastes 3:4 For everything there is a season...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time mourn and a time to dance.

Friends

2009-05-30T22:38:00.003-05:00

Friends

There is little in life more important to me than my friends - friends become a part of my life - an intentional part of my community. My children have many aunts and uncles not related by blood! I have watched some great friends move away lately, but I do not worry because I know I will see them again. My children have been blessed to make lots of friends in Iowa...here is Sophia hanging out with a couple of her friends from kindergarten.

There is no greater love than this, that one lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Lifted Up on Eagle's Wings

2009-05-29T20:51:00.003-05:00

Wings of an Eagle

We went to Midland, MI and we were fortunate enough to get to take the car ferry across Lake Michigan. Sam loved standing on the top of the deck where the wind was so strong he was held up. He told me it was like someone was holding him up - like someone was actually making sure he didn't fall. I have felt that many times through my life, just as it seems that I can't stand any longer, God is there to lift me up.

Ah, kids are so smart sometimes.

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31